This light, springy meal is vegetarian, packed with flavor and easy to make. Pesto Pasta with Green Beans Sun-dried Tomatoes is sure to be a hit with your family!
Pesto Pasta with Green Beans Sun-dried Tomatoes and Toasted Pine Nuts
For those of you heading back to school I know this week is a stressful one.
Things look different for everyone this year but one thing is for sure. We need easy, quick but healthy meal ideas.
If you love pesto today’s recipe for this Pesto Pasta with Green Beans Sun-dried Tomatoes is for you! I love rotating between this recipe, this Pesto Tortellini and Spring Vegetable Minestrone.
I love the flavor combination and the light pesto sauce and how easy it is to make!
This dish comes together in under 30 minutes and combines some of my favorites into one dish.
You can get creative with the pasta you use and try things like orecchiette {a favorite in my house} or a small elbow pasta.
I used crisp, fresh green beans because I just love them but this dish could pair really well with asparagus, zucchini or maybe even broccoli.
Oh, and if you need a good homemade pesto recipe check out The Very Best Basil Pesto Recipe {and Tips}. It would be great in this pasta dish!
If you are into making your own pesto feel free to use that or if that isn’t your thing, you can find some great basil pestos at the store.
Not only is this dish great for spring but it would be great in the summer too when everyone has all of that fresh basil growing.
I especially like the combination of the sun-dried tomatoes and the pesto together.
I don’t put those two flavors together often but every time I do I am reminded of how much I like them together.
I know some people don’t love sun-dried tomatoes so if that is the case you can easily substitute fresh cherry tomatoes {just sauté them a bit so they pop and become soft} or you could even use a can of diced tomatoes.
Once you make this dish you will top it with freshly grated parmesan {or whatever your favorite cheese is} along with toasted pine nuts.
I know a lot of my readers have mentioned that they are always looking for new vegetarian dinner ideas. If you are one of those people you have to give this one a try!
You can also serve this dish with a side of grilled chicken for those that might want that extra protein and a Lemon Arugula Salad with Pine Nuts.
Pesto Pasta with Green Beans Sun-dried Tomatoes
This light, springy meal is vegetarian, packed with flavor and easy to make. Pesto Pasta with Green Beans, Sun-dried Tomatoes and Toasted Pine Nuts is sure to be a hit with your family!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces medium shell pasta {or small/medium pasta of your choice}
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 1/4 cup basil pesto {more or less to taste}
- 1/3 cup julienned sun dried tomatoes in olive oil, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese {or cheese of your choice, more or less depending on your tastes}
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped basil for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot boil water for the pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package. Set aside.
- Bring another large pot of water to a boil with a steamer insert. Once the water boils steam the green beans until they are almost tender and a bright green color {I usually test one to see if it is the texture I like}.
- Heat a dry large skillet over medium-low heat and toast pine nuts, stirring frequently, until pine nuts are golden in spots, about 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl combine the pasta, green beans, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the pasta and serve warm. Garnish with freshly chopped basil {optional}.
Notes
Any small or medium pasta works great. Try elbow or orchiette!
For extra protein try adding white beans or chickpeas.
I have used different cheese in this including mozzarella and a blend of freshly grated Italian cheeses I found at the store.
You can use different vegetables instead of green beans. Try asparagus or zucchini.
You can easily leave the pine nuts off of this dish or try using walnuts instead.
Medha @ WhIsk & Shout
Monday 4th of April 2016
This is gorgeous! Love all the veggies in here and the delicious pesto :) Pinning!
Julia
Monday 4th of April 2016
Thank you Medha! I love the veggie combo with the pesto too! It all goes great together.
Jenny staniszewski
Monday 4th of April 2016
This is one of our absolute favorites! My youngest doesn't like red sauce and I struggle with pasta dishes he will eat. He gobbled this one up which was great, but I loved it too and didn't want to share!
I loved the addition of the sun dried tomatoes...the perfect flavor with the pesto. Can't wait to have this meal again!
Julia
Monday 4th of April 2016
Yeah! I am so glad the kiddos like it! My kids ate this right up too. The sun-dried tomatoes were my favorite paired with the pesto!